I've always taken an interest in all things abandoned, especially transport related like roads and railways. This cache is right near a now abandoned railway, the Picton Mittagong loop line.
The railway loop line that runs between Picton and Mittagong was once part of the main southern railway. It opened in February 1867 and ran through towns such as Balmoral, Buxton, Hill Top and Colo Vale. The line was quite steep, a 1 in 30 gradient, and this coupled with the line being only single track, was why an upgrade was needed. So in July 1919 a double track deviation via Bargo was opened, which also had far less steep gradients of 1 in 75. The old loop line as it was now known, was still used by rail motors until August 1978. The NSW Rail Museum commenced steam train rides a couple of years before and these are still popular to this day. These operate from Thirlmere to Buxton, with hopes of one day utilising the entire line once again.
At this point in time the loop line remains cut in two after flood damage to a bridge in September 1987. The line between Mittagong and Balmoral seems very little use. The concrete sleeper factory in Braemar had been using the short section of line from the junction to Braemar with new level crossing signs being put in place however it seems once again to have fallen in to disuse as concrete sleepers are manufactured elsewhere.
This cache is near Rocla, the concrete sleeper factory. It is quite close to the old railway line which is again overgrown in parts as can be seen from the crossing. NOTE: you do not have to enter the railway corridor to access this cache. If you must cross the line please remember to LOOK LEFT AND RIGHT just in case there is rail traffic. Also be mindful of road traffic as this road can get super busy with trucks serving the nearby industrial estates. The container is a camo Sistema with a log and some swaps. Please replace as found and use stealth!